Understanding the New AXP: Project Planning & Design

by AIA East Bay Staff on 04/18/2016

On June 29, the Intern Development Program (IDP) will be updated to reflect six broad areas
of architectural practice—and renamed the Architectural Experience Program (AXP). To help
prepare for this change, NCARB launched a monthly blog series that breaks down the tasks
associated with each area. In addition to the blog, they offer real-world examples of opportunities that count toward the AXP.

What is Project Planning & Design?
Project Planning & Design occurs during the schematic design phase of a project, when you will begin to layout your building design, meet with your client, review applicable codes and coordinate schematics with your consultants. You will gain experience reading and applying building codes and regulations, coordinating with mechanical and structural engineers, design specialists, and other consultants and communicating the plan with the client.

Are you having trouble gaining Project Planning & Design experience? Reference the above tasks
when meeting with your supervisor, and make a plan to complete the AXP.

Real-World Examples
“At one of the firms I worked at prior to licensure, we would typically put together a few pages on building codes and zoning regulations pertaining to a new project. These “cliff notes” became a vital reference during schematic design and beyond. If anyone ever had a question about the project, we could easily find them in this document. The time I spent preparing this document would qualify for the task ‘perform building code analysis.’”

“Prepare cost of work estimates” can be difficult to gain right out of school. I started gaining experience by familiarizing myself with the materials and products we were planning to use on the project and talking to product/materials reps about costs and installation. This information was useful in determining what types of products meet the client’s budget and what needed to be adjusted. Sometimes, we would need to inform the client if we needed to set aside more money or change the scope of the project.”

IDP Experience Calculator
Use the IDP Experience Calculator to see how your current hours will merge into the six new
experience areas. Any hours that fall outside of the six new areas can be used to fulfill additional
jurisdictional requirements.

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